IFC gets slice of latenight

'Centipede' sequel lures fans

It ain’t no “Paranormal Activity,” but IFC’s continuation of the “Human Centipede” franchise, “Full Sequence,” certainly scared its fair share of auds opening weekend — at least for a limited latenight release from a non-studio entity.

“Full Sequence,” which screened only at latenight shows on Friday and Saturday, grossed $49,456 from a total 18 locations, for a solid $2,748 per-screen average, selling out midnight screenings in New York and Los Angeles while appealing to hardcore horror fans as well as enthusiasts of the original. The first film, while not a huge B.O. success — cuming only $181,467 domestically — nevertheless earned headlines and cult status for its gross-out storyline.

“Full Sequence” centers on a disturbed fan of the original “Centipede” who attempts to re-create that film’s grotesque biological procedure.

IFC launched the film theatrically via its genre label IFC Midnight, with an added video-on-demand component Oct. 12. The distrib relied heavily on word of mouth and a grassroots marketing campaign — as well as the cult status of the first film.

“Full Sequence” will expand into other Stateside markets throughout October, and should continue to do well latenight. IFC hopes the pic can build buzz leading up to Halloween, though its following may be limited to indie auds, as higher profile scarers (i.e. “Paranormal Activity 3″) also launch mid-October. “Paranormal 3,” which bows Oct. 21, should dominate the pre-Halloween marketplace; the holiday itself typically isn’t a big moviegoing weekend.